Easy Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba) Recipe

Feeling a bit tired of the same old summer salads and barbecue fare? Craving something light, refreshing, and packed with flavour? Look no further than cold soba noodles (Zaru Soba) with a delicious umami dipping sauce! This classic Japanese dish is perfect for a hot day and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

What are Soba Noodles?

Soba noodles, also known as buckwheat noodles, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with buckwheat flour, they have a slightly nutty flavour and a satisfyingly chewy texture. They are naturally gluten-free and a great source of fibre, making them a healthy and satisfying summer meal.

The Umami Powerhouse: The Dipping Sauce

The key to this dish is the dipping sauce, which boasts a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavours. Umami, often described as "savoury," is the fifth basic taste and adds a depth of deliciousness to the dish. These rich flavours beautifully complement the inherent nutty taste of the soba noodles.

Estimated time

15 - 20 mins

Ingredients

(all readily available in most UK supermarkets)

For the Dipping Sauce

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine - substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and honey / maple syrup for a non-alcoholic option)
2 tbsp dashi (Japanese fish stock - find pre-made stock in the Asian section)
1 tbsp sugar
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated (optional)

For the Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba) and Garnishes

2 portions dried soba noodles (usually found in the Asian section)
Thinly sliced spring onions
Chopped nori seaweed (optional)
Grated radish (daikon) - substitute with grated carrot for a similar taste
Wasabi paste (optional)

Cooking Step

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, dashi, and sugar. Whisk everything together and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the flavours meld.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely to room temperature.
If using fresh ginger, stir it into the cooled sauce.
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook your soba noodles according to the package instructions. (Tip: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop them from sticking and to achieve a refreshing, chilled texture.)
Serve the cold soba noodles alongside the dipping sauce in separate bowls.
Offer a variety of toppings to customise your dish! These could include:

Thinly sliced scallions
Chopped nori (dried seaweed)
Grated radish (such as daikon)
A dash of wasabi (for those who like it hot!)

Let your guests enjoy the slurping experience! The traditional way to enjoy soba noodles is to dip them into the sauce and slurp them down, savouring the interplay of flavours.

Bonus tip: Reserve some leftover sauce and dilute it with a little water or extra dashi to create a refreshing cold soba noodle soup!

Feeling Adventurous? Try these variations

For a richer flavour, toast your dashi powder in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before dissolving it in water.
Add a touch of sesame oil to the dipping sauce for a nutty aroma.

FAQ for Cold Soba Noodles (Zaru Soba) Recipe

Q1: Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The dipping sauce can be prepared up to 1 week in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will actually meld and intensify over time, making it even tastier!

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Great news! Soba noodles are naturally gluten-free. To make it completely gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Q3: Do I have to eat the soba noodles cold?

A: Not at all! While traditionally served cold, you can enjoy hot soba noodles. If you prefer them warm, simply heat the noodles according to package instructions and serve them with the dipping sauce at room temperature or slightly warmed. You might also want to thin the sauce with a little extra dashi or hot water to create a more soup-like consistency.

Q4: Any topping suggestions beyond what is listed?

A: Absolutely! The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Here are some additional topping ideas to tantalise your taste buds:

Toasted sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch.
Shredded vegetables: mooli, cucumber, or edamame add vibrant colours and freshness.
Thinly sliced omelette strips: For a protein boost.
Pickled ginger: A traditional Japanese accompaniment that offers a sweet and tangy contrast.

Q5: What kind of tableware is best for serving cold soba noodles?

A: For the ultimate chilled soba experience, we recommend using ceramic bowls and plates. Ceramic does a fantastic job of retaining coolness, ensuring your noodles and dipping sauce stay refreshingly cold throughout your meal.

Looking for the perfect set? We offer a variety of collections to match your style.

Classic Elegance: Our Polka Dots or Japanese Classic collections are perfect for a timeless and sophisticated table setting.
Fun & Whimsical: Add a touch of personality with our Animals collection, or embrace the beauty of nature with our Nature collection.

Are you ready to explore your options? Head over to our tableware selection and discover the perfect set for your next soba feast!

So ditch the boring and embrace the exciting! This cold soba noodle recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to explore Asian flavours at home. Let us know in the comments what your favourite toppings are!